What is an SSA?

For more than 28 years, the Special Service Area (SSA) program has provided communities with the financial means to create, maintain and manage clean, attractive and competitive commercial districts. SSAs, known as Business or Community Improvement Districts in other cities, provide a fair and transparent means to finance and manage improvement programs important to communities. SSAs levy funds by placing a nominal tax assessment on each taxpaying property within their service boundaries. SSAs are governed by State of Illinois statute, authorized by City of Chicago ordinance and administered locally with oversight by a local board of commissioners, which typically include property and business owners in the SSA boundaries.

Clark Street SSA #23

City Council passed the establishment ordinance for the Clark Street SSA #23 on December 4, 2002.  In December 2008, the Clark Street SSA was reconstituted (renewed) for an additional 15 years. The Clark Street SSA includes all properties fronting Clark from Armitage on the south to Diversey on the north  In addition, it includes all properties fronting the south side of Diversey from Orchard to Lakeview. The Clark Street SSA currently provides the following services.

• Plowing services are provided after a two inch accumulation of snow
• A clean-up crew has been hired to pick up garbage and debris on Clark three days a week during the winter months (September – May; Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) and four days a week during the summer months (June – August; Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays)
• Seasonal plantings and streetscape amenities are maintained throughout the SSA area, including spring and holiday plantings for hanging baskets and in-ground planters
• Decorations are installed on the street poles for the holidays
• Sidewalks are power washed annually
• The Clark by the Park logo was developed
• Materials designed to entice new businesses to Clark have been created and distributed in the neighborhood
• Street pole banners identifying the neighborhood have been installed
• Promotional events are organized twice annually
• Co-operative advertising opportunities have been negotiated for businesses in the SSA area
• The Clark Street SSA website is maintained to provide community resources and SSA updates

Visit the Clark Street SSA website at www.clarkstreetssa.org for more information.

Lincoln Avenue SSA #35

City Council passed the establishment ordinance for the Lincoln Avenue SSA #35 on November 4, 2005. The Lincoln Avenue SSA includes all properties fronting Lincoln from Webster on the south to Diversey on the north. The Lincoln Avenue SSA currently provides the following services.

• Plowing services are provided after a two inch accumulation of snow
• A clean-up crew has been hired to pick up garbage and debris on Lincoln two days a week during the winter months (September – May; Saturdays, and Sundays) and three days a week during the summer months (June – August; Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays)
• Seasonal plantings and streetscape amenities are maintained throughout the SSA area, including spring and holiday plantings for hanging baskets
• Decorations are installed on the street poles for the holidays
• Sidewalks are power washed annually
• Two Big Belly Solar Compacting Trash Receptacles have been installed
• The Lincoln Avenue SSA website is maintained to provide community resources and SSA updates

Visit the Lincoln Avenue SSA website at www.lincolnavessa.com for more information.

How is the LPCC involved?

The LPCC is the service provider for both the Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue SSAs.  The Chicago Department of Community Development (DCD) contracts with service providers, which are typically chambers of commerce or business associations.  As the service provider for the Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue SSAs, we coordinate SSA services, which may include hiring staff and subcontractors as needed to fulfill the SSA work plan. We generate program reports to the DCD, SSA Commission, local aldermen and the community. We also assist with the recruitment of SSA Commissioners, who advise the city on appropriate SSA programs and costs.